TALKS about promoting an extension to the Nottingham tram to Heanor have begun.

Broxtowe Borough councillor Richard Robinson, Broxtowe MP Nick Palmer and local residents are keen to put forward a case.

They would like the tram to continue from its current terminus at Phoenix Park through Kimberley and Eastwood to Heanor.

Coun Robinson met East Midlands MEP Glennis Wilmott recently to see whether European funding would be available for the scheme.

A further meeting is due to be held with Notts County Council early next month.

Coun Robinson said: "The next stage is to get public support and funding for a feasibility study. This will look at routes and how it would connect with other transport systems."

The Government is currently considering plans for Phase two of the tram, to Chilwell and Clifton. No firm plans have yet been made for Phase three.

Dr Palmer said: "The objective is to see whether we can come up with a viable proposal to benefit the people of Kimberley, Eastwood and Heanor.

"Whether the decision for the current extension is a yes or no, we don't want a hiatus of two or three years where people scratch their heads and think 'what do we do now?' We are seeing if there is a sensible case that can be made."